Whistler Report #11
Well, seems that time of the year has come around, where the park gets drier, and looser, and a wee bit scary. People have been dropping like flies with injuries, some more serious than others, and a lot of us have had more than a few close calls.
On Saturday an ill-timed gust of wind got me really sideways off the long low table on the bikercross course. Somehow I managed to hold it together and not crash, but I found myself standing on the side of the course for a few minutes shaking my head wondering how I wasn’t lying in a painful heap. A few laps later the same thing happened to Bethany, only she ended up with a separated shoulder. There is no rhyme nor reason, just luck sometimes I think. But it’s a good reminder that things happen fast, conditions change, and on long hot days in the bikepark, it’s really important not to over do it. Take lots of breaks, drink lots of water, and when you get tired take the opportunity to cruise to one of Whistler’s amazing lakes and chill out for a bit. Cool off with a swim, chill out on the beach, grab a smoothie and go back to the park when your head’s back in the game.
Dylan had a close call on Freight Train, so took the opportunity to ice his body with a dip in Alpha Lake.
With Crankworx looming large on the horizon many people are getting excited. Last week a new event, not affiliated with Crankworx, was announced, and it definitely has me licking my chops! Local legends Richie Schley and Grant Lamont (Cheakamus Challenge Organizer) are working together to bring a really unique event to the table. Richie’s Rally – Vertical Challenge is scheduled to take place Saturday August 14 before the Slopestyle. After the Jack’s/Queen’s, this event sounds as close to Whistler Style riding as one can get. The concept is this; ride yourself up the Flank to one of Whistler’s classic west side descents, get timed on the downhill, then do the same a couple more times. The uphill portions aren’t timed, but you are required to pedal yourself up to them. They jokingly referred to it as Flankworx, I actually really like this name!
Registration will be capped at 150 riders and the winners will be those with the lowest accumulated time over the 3 descents. Look for Open Men/Women, Masters (over 40), and Junior categories. Profits from the event will be donated to WORCA for the trail maintenance program, so it’s also for a good cause! With awards and aprés at the Whistler Brewing Company in Function Junction, this event looks like it’s shaping up to be a winner. Trails will be announced the week before the event. More info on Richie’s Website.
Will ACDC be in Flankworx? Green Moss, loam, and lots of roots and rocks await on Whistler’s Westside trails, Adam Mantle approves.
In late fall, too many years ago to actually recall the year, a group of friends and I decided to ride to Tenquille Lake via the Birkenhead side. I remember a long chilly shuttle in the back of the truck and departing from the vehicle under heavy, oppressing skies. The scenery was definitely epic that day; there’s something about dark heavy clouds, jagged peaks, and serious remoteness that gets one’s senses firing. The drizzle turned to rain and as we gained elevation the rain got thicker and colder – much much colder. By the time we reached the lake and traversed around to the cabin the rain had given way to heavy wet snow and we were all soaked through and freezing. Thankfully there is a cabin at the lake, and some overnighters had a fire going. We muscled them out and huddled around the fire to try and warm up. One thing about the cabin is that it’s old, really old, and it was defintely showing its years. Fast forward a few years and after another heavy winter the old cabin just really isn’t up to the task anymore.
No snow on this ride in the fall of ’09. The Copperdome fire last summer burnt a huge swath through the forest of the Tenquille trail, but trails are tougher than fires. Tom Hey and Seb Kemp round the corner and ride from green into black.
A motivated group out of Pemberton has taken up the task of raising funds to replace the aged cabin with something a bit more modern and sturdier. Plans have been drawn up according to the info on the groups Facebook page, and the group has already secured over $16,000 of the estimated $20,000 they’re needing for this project, not at all bad for 3 weeks effort! They are still looking for more support and help moving forward, so if you can pitch in to the effort get in touch with the Pemberton Wildlife Association (Tel: 604-894-6063) who are collecting both monetary and material donations for the project. Having a reliable shelter up there is a benefit to all, so do what you can to support the project, and a huge thank you to all those awesome folk up in Pemberton who keep on raising copious amounts of money for all the various recreation and trail-related projects taking place up there!
Riding through a forest only a few weeks out of a massive forest fire last fall was an experience I won’t ever forget. The darkness of the charred trees, the earth smelling of smoke and charcoal, the formally tight trail once overcrowded with vegetation, now burnt back to rock. Seb chased the fading light deep into the heart of the burn.
We had another Phat Wednesday race last week. That’s a whole lot in a row, and it’s funny that after you get what you want, you sometimes feel like it’s too much! Tomorrow night will mark 5 weeks in a row, of downhill race action here in Whistler. Last week saw us on Upper A-Line, World Cup, and Lower B-Line. Interesting course choice given that B-Line has already been used and A-Line is the annual final race chainless, however that’s what it was. Full results and report can be found here. Highlighting the winners; Luana Auer for the Junior Girls, Bryn Dickerson in Junior Male, Brook Baker rode clean and finally snagged the top spot for the Ladies, Chris Dewar laid the beats on the Masters class for another week, and Kenny Smith finally took home the gold in the Men’s category. Nice work all.
Don’t forget about the Pump Track Challenge that’s taking place this Sunday, July 25, at the top of the boneyard in the bikepark. Crystal Viper is the track’s name, and if you aren’t careful, it will bite you! A few of us cruised some laps of it Friday evening, and it’s definitely challenging. Look for aggression, and a few risks, to win the day. Winner of the Men’s and Women’s both win an entry into the invite only event that will take place Thursday August 12 during Crankworx. So if you think you’ve got the speed, come on out, should be a great afternoon of pump track racing! I’m gonna call Josh Lyons as winner, if I had to pick just one. Sorry everyone else. This is a WORCA club event and racers must be WORCA members. Purchase membership ahead of time online or register in person. Cost is $40 and goes to good things like fixing trails and getting our youth out riding bikes!
I promised Seb I wasn’t going to post anything from last night’s photo session, but this doesn’t really give anything away. I love shooting with folks that love to have a good time, Andrew Teit was smiling and sending it and laughing the whole time, I love it.
And now a final park update heading towards another weekend. While it’s cloudy with some scattered rainshowers right this minute (it didn’t last long), the forecast is pretty much pure sun, and the bikepark is showing it. Substantial holes, loose corners, random big rocks in the way and thick dust are all signs that summer is here! The crew is still on a mission, fixing the worst of the offenders with a watertank mounted on an ATV and fresh dirt, but it’s a tough battle. Braids also continue to be blocked off. I noticed more than a few with fresh piles of debris impeding access so remember to just say no to braiding, it’ll wreck your brain! The dual slalom track, under the guidance of Peter Matthews, is also looking sweet these days. Definitely some big hits in there and some tight berms. Gonna make for some amazing racing during Crankworx!
Remember to take lots of breaks, and drink lots of fluid, the heat will wreck your brain otherwise. See you on the trails!
We’re on final approach to Crankworx and this is shaping up to be the best edition ever. Thanks to Todd once again for keeping us up to date in Whistler. Did he miss anything? Add it here…
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